Micromachined microscopic particle selecting apparatus

ABSTRACT

Various forms of micromachined electrostatic microconveyors and useful devices based thereon are described. In one embodiment, a tube shaped conveyor is formed by disposing conductors circumferentially about the exterior surface of the tube. The tube is formed of an insulating material (e.g., silicon dioxide). Driving voltages are applied in staggered phase to selected ones of the conductors to provide a travelling electrostatic wave within the tube. Charged particles (or fluid or gas) can be propelled through the tube electrostatically by &#34;riding&#34; the travelling wave. Various aspects of the invention are directed to apparatus making use of the microconveyor to convey particles, gas ions, etc. Apparatus is described for using gas pressure resulting from the transport of gas ions to do mechanical work (i.e., to operate mechanical actuators. A planar microconveyor, similar to the tubular microconveyor, but formed as a series of evenly spaced conductive lines on the surface of a semiconductor die is also described. Other aspect of the invention are directed to using the microconveyors in conjunction with an electrostatic accelerator to &#34;sort&#34; or select particles by directing them through specific apertures into associated bins or reservoirs.

This is a divisional of commonly owned application Ser. No. 08/205,661,filed Mar. 3, 1994. Now U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,150.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to micromachined devices and, more particularly,to techniques for creating mechanically useful devices usingsemiconductor or other materials and fabrication techniques.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

"Micromachining", as the term is used herein, refers to a field ofendeavor where extremely small (microscopic) mechanical devices arefabricated, often using semiconductor processing techniques, as onsilicon dies. The techniques employed in the fabrication of thesedevices include those used to fabricate traditional semiconductorelectronic devices--namely, deposition, doping, implantation,photolithography, etching, et cetera. However, the technologies employedto fabricate these devices has expanded from traditional semiconductorfabrication processes to more "conventional" techniques of cutting andgrinding.

In some cases, mechanical and (as well as) electrical elements arefabricated on silicon to form a device such as a micromotor. In manycases, forming microscopic versions of mechanical devices poses somedifficult problems in micromachining analogous devices on silicon. Forexample, making a rotor turn on a bearing is probably the most difficulttask for a would-be micromechanic, since a theoretical understanding offriction on the microscale is lagging behind classical notions offriction on larger, more familiar scales.

There are already a number of mechanical "primitives" (for examplewheels and levers) for micromachined devices. Among these are gears,rotors, levers and the like, useful in fabricating micromotors,microscopic tweezers, microprobes, micro-positioning arms, microcantilevers, micro valves, micro bearings and bushings, cilia-likecurling actuators, membranes, expanding/contracting parallelogramdevices, and the like.

By and large, most micromachined devices are based on primitives thatoperate in the plane of the silicon substrate. Recently, however,primitives are being developed whose motion is perpendicular to thesubstrate. For example, actuators are being developed that curl up offthe surface of a silicon die, and relax back onto the surface, akin tothe motion of cilia. A purely upright element would evidently be usefulfor implementing grasping functions, akin to the movement of humanfingers.

Generally, the field of micromachining is dominated by efforts tofabricate microscopic analogues of macroscopic devices and primitives inthe medium of silicon. To some extent, this would appear to beantithetical to the generally accepted goal of replacing mechanicalelements with electronic elements having fewer (perhaps none) movingparts.

There remains a need for additional micromachined devices, andprimitives for such devices, which will expand the useful horizons ofand applications for micromachining.

Disclosure of the Invention

In the context of the present invention, a micromachined device includesany structure formed on a substrate (typically silicon, or similarmaterial, but including any other compound, alloy or material) that canperform work (in the mechanical sense of the term "work"), such asmoving or exerting a force on a mass.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvedmicromachined device.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved techniquefor making micromachined devices.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a microconveyor isfabricated on a silicon die, and has the ability to move (propel)substances (material), such as particles, from one point to another.

Generally, in the embodiments that follow a plurality of evenly spacedconductive elements are energized with a set of driving waveforms instaggered phase to create an electrostatic travelling wave through atube or across a surface. Charged particles (or suitable fluid or gasmolecules, hereinafter referred to as "particles") can be propelledalong the wave by electrostatic attraction/repulsion such that they aretransported through the tube or across the surface.

In one embodiment of the micromachined conveyor of the presentinvention, a tube is formed of an insulating material. Conductors areprovided circumferentially (axially-spaced rings) or spirally along thelength of the tube. Suitable voltages are applied to the conductors, insuitable phase, so that particles at one end of the tube are conveyedwithin the tube to the other end of the tube.

According to an aspect of the invention, the tube may be a longitudinalpassageway through a micromachined drill bit. This would be useful inmicrosurgery, wherein the micromachine could locate and drill throughblood clots and the like, the debris (particles) being conveyed throughthe drill bit to the bloodstream or to a receptacle for later disposal(e.g., when the micromachine is removed from the body). Means forimparting a charge to the particles, so that they may beelectrostatically propelled is envisioned.

According to another aspect of the invention, instead of conveyingparticles, a micro-thread could be conveyed through the tube--themicromachine being useful for stitching (e.g., such as in medicalsuturing).

According to another aspect of the invention, such a micromachinedconveyor can be used for "cleaning" the interior or exterior of anothermicromachined device, by moving or repulsing particles from surfaces.

In another embodiment of the micromachined conveyor of the presentinvention, a planar substrate has a series of spaced-apart electrodesextending along a dimension thereof. In this manner, particles can beconveyed along a surface.

According to an aspect of the invention, a micromachined conveyor isuseful for movement of "worked parts" (micromachined workpieces) along asurface.

According to an aspect of the invention, a micromachined conveyor isuseful for moving particles into a reservoir, which can provide anactuator function (similar to blowing up a balloon).

In another embodiment of the micromachined conveyor of the presentinvention, a planar substrate has a layer of insulating material,conducting material on one side of the insulating layer and conductingmaterial on the other side of the insulating layer. One or moreapertures are formed through the substrate. By appropriate applicationof voltages to the conducting layers, a particle or fluid can be causedto move through the aperture.

According to an aspect of the invention, such a micromachined conveyorcan function as a medication delivery microsystem and/or as a timedelayed chemical or catalyst delivery system for industrial chemicalapplications. The delivery of such "active" elements to another locationwould provide for a virtually unlimited number of application, includingtime-delayed destruction or activation of another element or component.

According to an aspect of the invention, such a micromachined conveyorcan function in cooperation with an array of controllable apertures. Bysegmenting one of the conductive layers, particles from a supply on oneside of the substrate can be caused to `eject` through selectedapertures. Applications of such a micromachined conveyor would include:reservoir buildup for weighted decision making or statistical(operations research) applications, selective location ofchemical/electrical/physical material injection or addition.

In another embodiment of the invention, the micromachined conveyorserves the function of a diaphragm.

In another embodiment of the invention, the micromachined conveyor fillsflexible tube-shaped reservoirs which are perpendicular to the surfaceof the silicon substrate, and upon pressurizing (by conveying a mediuminto) and depressurizing (by conveying a medium out of) the tube-shapedreservoirs, the tube-shaped reservoirs can be caused to flex. With onesuch reservoir acting against a stationary element, or with two suchreservoirs disposed in opposition to each other, a grasping function canbe implemented on a microscopic scale.

According to a feature of the invention, two or more materials can beconveyed, without mixing, and deposited into two or more respectivereceptacles (bins), or they can be mixed in a single bin.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will becomeevident in light of the following description thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a cutaway view of a tubular micromachined conveyor, accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 1b is a cutaway view of another embodiment of a tubularmicromachined conveyor, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2a is a view of a micromachined drill bit having an integralmicromachined conveyor, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2b is a view of a micromachined drill bit and associated apparatus,according to the present invention.

FIG. 3a is a cutaway view of a micromachined conveyor being used topropel a micro-thread, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3b is a view of one embodiment of a micro-thread suited toapplication as shown in FIG. 3a, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3c is a view of another embodiment of a micro-thread suited toapplication as shown in FIG. 3a, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of a planar silicon microconveyor, according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 5a is a block diagram illustrating the use of a micro-conveyor tocause mechanical action, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5b is a diagram of a micro-machined pressure sensitive actuator,according to the present invention.

FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of apparatus for accelerating aparticle through an aperture, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6b is a view of a multi-aperture apparatus for accelerating one ormore particles through a selected aperture, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 6c is a cross-sectional view of apparatus similar to that shown inFIG. 6b, but with a reservoir associated with each aperture forseparating and collecting particles accelerated through the variousapertures, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7a is a view of apparatus for conveying several (two shown, couldbe three or more) materials to a corresponding number of bins(reservoirs), according to the present invention.

FIG. 7b is a view of apparatus for mixing several (two shown, could bethree or more) materials in a bin (reservoir), according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, various types of micromachined conveyors anddevices incorporating such micromachined conveyors can be formed using(traditionally semiconductor) fabrication techniques for forming thevarious mechanical and electrical structures associated therewith. Itwill be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatnumerous processing techniques are available for forming structures outof semiconductor materials (e.g., silicon, oxidized silicon, and dopedsilicon) as well as techniques for depositing and patterning metals andother conductors within and around those structures. For example,tube-like "vias" or voids are commonly developed in integrated circuitsemiconductor fabrication processes, as well as selective doping oraddition of conductive, insulating and semiconductor materials inpreselected patterns. Such processes, and others, are consideredsuitable for construction of the present invention. In general, thepresent inventive micromachined conveyors propel solid particles (orfluid or gaseous matter) by making use of a traveling electrostaticfield, based on the principle of electrostatic attraction/repulsion topropel the particles.

FIG. 1a is a cutaway view of a tubular micromachined conveyor 10a. Theconveyor is formed from a tube 110 of an insulating material (e.g.,silicon dioxide) around which a plurality of ring-like conductors 120(e.g., metal or semiconductor material in an active state) arecircumferentially disposed. The conductors may be evenly spaced alongthe length of the tube 110 (or may be spaced irregularly or in patternsof regularity for different purposes). In the Figure, a cutaway portion110a (for illustrative purposes only) is shown exposing the interior ofthe tube 110. A waveform generator provides a plurality (in this case,three, but more or less can be appropriate) of driving voltages on alike plurality of lines 132a, 132b, and 132c to selected ones of thering-like conductors 120. The voltages are cyclic in nature and areoffset from one another in phase. For example, a sinusoidal voltagewaveform is provided on a first line 132a at a reference phase of 0°. Asecond sinusoidal voltage waveform is provided on a second line 132badvanced in phase 120° relative to the voltage waveform on the firstline 132a. A third sinusoidal voltage waveform is provided on a thirdline 132c advanced in phase 240° relative to the waveform on the firstline 132a. Preferably, the number of waveforms generated by the waveformgenerator is greater than or equal to three (the number of separateconductor sets), and the waveforms are spaced at even phase intervalsabout one full cycle (i.e., four sinusoidal waveforms could be providedat 90° intervals, five waveforms at 72°, etc.). The waveforms need notnecessarily be sinusoidal. The waveforms can be square waves, pulsewaves, triangular waves, etc.

The ring-like conductors 120 are organized into "n" interleaved groupscorresponding to the number "n" of voltage waveforms generated by thewaveform generator--in this example, three. Preferably, the ring-likeconductors 120 in each group are spaced "n" conductors apart from oneanother along the length of the tube 110 and interleaved such that thevoltage waveform provided to each successive conductor 120 along thelength of the tube 110 is advanced in phase relative to the waveformprovided to the immediate previous conductor. In this manner, a"travelling wave" of voltages is provided (similar to a "marquee" signeffect) along the length of the tube. Each voltage waveform on eachring-like conductor 120 creates an electrostatic field, and thecumulative effect of the electrostatic fields provided by all of thering-like conductors is a travelling field moving in one direction alongthe length of the tube 110. Any particle having an electrostatic charge(which one of ordinary skill in the art will realize can be deliberatelyimparted thereto) which enters the tube 110 (e.g., at the left end asdepicted in FIG. 1b) will be propelled through the tube 110 by thetravelling wave. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatthe conveyor 100a can also be used to propel gas or liquid molecules(e.g., gas ions) through the tube 110. One of ordinary skill in the artwill also immediately recognize that reversal of the phase relationshipsbetween the voltage waveforms will cause the microconveyor 100a tooperate in the opposite direction.

In FIG. 1a, the number "n" (of phases, and of conductors in a group) isthree. A first plurality of conductors 120a (three indicated) is formedof conductors spaced apart from one another in threes (i.e., with twointervening other conductors) along the length of the tube 110. A secondplurality of conductors 120b (three indicated) and a third group ofconductors 120c (three indicated) are interleaved with the first group120a in a repeating pattern as shown in the Figure. The first line 132acarrying the first waveform (sinusoid at 0°) is connected to eachconductor 120 in the first group 120a, the second line 132b carrying thesecond waveform (sinusoid at 120° advance) is connected to eachconductor 120 in the second group 120b, and the third line 132c carryingthe third waveform (sinusoid at 240° advance) is connected to eachconductor 120 in the third group 120c. (Only one connection is shown foreach line 132a,b,c in order to reduce illustrative clutter. The otherconnections are presumed to have been correctly made and will beimmediately understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.)

FIG. 1b is a cutaway view of another embodiment of a tubularmicromachined conveyor 100b formed from a tube 112 of insulatingmaterial, similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1a, but having ahelical (spiral) pattern of conductors 122 about the exterior of thetube 112, rather than ring-shaped conductors (compare 120, FIG. 1a). Theconductors 122 are formed in a multiple helix (e.g., double helix,triple helix, quadruple helix, etc.). Preferably, the number ofspirally-formed conductors is three or greater. For example, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 1b, the conductors 122 are provided as a set ofthree interleaved, evenly-spaced, spirally formed conductors 122a, 122band 122c. Because of the spiral (helical) formation of the conductors122a, 122b, and 122c, each travels a spiral path along the length of thetube 112. Each conductor (122a, 122b or 122c) is offset from the next bya pre-selected distance. The waveform generator 130 (describedhereinabove with respect to FIG. 1a) is connected such that each line132a, 132b and 132c connects to a respective spiral conductor 122a, 122band 122c. The phase-offset waveforms produced by the waveform generator,when applied to the spiral conductors 122a, 122b and 122c produces atravelling wave effect similar to that described hereinabove withrespect to FIG. 1a, which can be employed in much the same manner toconvey particles (or fluid, or gas) through (from one end to the otherend of) the tube 112.

Alternatively, the conductors (e.g., 120 or 122) may be placed on theinterior of the tube (e.g., 110 or 112) with or without a covering orpartially covering interior material, or fully or partially embedded inthe tube. Preferably, the interior of the tube should be smooth so asnot to trap or catch or inhibit materials traveling through the tube(except where such may be desired, e.g., see description with regards toFIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c.

FIG. 2a is a view of a micromachined drill bit 200, having an integraltubular micromachined conveyor 220 (e.g., of the types described withrespect to FIGS. 1a and 1b). One of ordinary skill in the art willrealize that the "spiral" flute pattern along the shaft 210a of thedrill bit and the shape of the tip 210b of the drill bit are merelyexemplary. The illustrated shaft and tip shapes are reminiscent ofstandard "twist" drills, but are not essential to the function of thedrill. It should be understood that industrial and medical drills havenumerous different tip and shaft shapes suited to specific purposes. Itis within the spirit and scope of the present invention that anysuitable shaft and/or tip shape be employed. It should also berecognized that the drill bit 200 can be formed in a simple"/needle-like" shape with a smooth shaft and pointed tip.

An opening 220a of the tubular micromachined conveyor 220 is positionedsuch that debris resulting from use of the drill bit will enter theopening 220a. The tubular micromachined conveyor is similar to thoseshown in FIGS. 1a and 1b and is operable to convey the debris throughthe drill bit 200 along the length of the shaft 210a, to a remotelocation (not shown) for storage or disposal.

FIG. 2b shows the micromachined drill bit 200 of FIG. 2a employed todrill through an object 260. The drill bit 200 is attached to a means230 for actuating (e.g., rotating) the drill bit, such as amicromachined motor. The means for actuating 230 can be adapted,depending upon the form of the drill bit 200, to twist the drill bit 200about its longitudinal axis, to apply a longitudinal vibration orimpulsive force to the drill bit 200, and/or to advance the drill bit200 into the object (e.g., workpiece) 260. A waveform generator 250(similar to that shown as 130 in FIGS. 1a and 1b) is used to applydriving voltage waveforms to the tubular conveyor 220 within the drillbit. As the drill bit 200 operates, debris from the object 260 entersthe opening 220a of the tubular conveyor 220, causing it to betransported through the drill bit to a receptacle 240 (or alternatively,out of the device altogether). The receptacle 240 can later be emptiedof the debris. A charge generator 270 can be employed to impart anelectrostatic charge to the particles of debris via an electrode 272 atthe tip of the drill bit. It will readily be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art that the charge generator 270 and/or thewaveform generator 250 can be located either within or without the meansfor actuating 230, as can the receptacle 240. Preferably, all of theelements shown within the means for actuating are formed on a singlesilicon die.

The drill bit 200 would be useful in microsurgery, for example, inapparatus for locating and "drilling through" (or piercing orpuncturing) blood clots and the like, the debris (particles) beingconveyed through the drill bit to the bloodstream (in the absence of areceptacle) or to a receptacle for later disposal (e.g., when themicromachine is removed from the body).

FIG. 3a is a cutaway view of a tubular micromachined conveyor 310 beingemployed in apparatus 300 to propel a micro-thread 330, according to theinvention. A charge generator 340 applies electrical charges to themicro-thread 330 (via a suitable electrode arrangement, not shown). Awaveform generator 320 generates a driving electrostatic travelling wavein the (tube-shaped) conveyor 310 (similar to 112, FIG. 1b, for example)to propel the micro-thread 330 through the conveyor 310 by electrostaticattraction/repulsion of the electrostatic charge imparted to themicro-thread 330. Generally, the charge generator is adapted to impartcharges at discrete intervals to the thread, as the thread passes thecharge generator. In this manner, the thread functions as a carrier forcharged particles.

FIG. 3b is a view of one embodiment 380a of a micro-thread 330a suitedto application as shown in FIG. 3a, according to the invention. Themicro-thread 330a can be formed of a relatively inert material 370 with"slugs" 360 of electrostatically propellable material (i.e., a materialwill react to the travelling wave in the conveyor) disposed periodically(at intervals) along its length. The slugs 360 act as particles (similarto debris and/or particles described hereinabove with respect to FIGS.1a, 1b, 2a and 2b) to be propelled through the interior of the tubularconveyor 310, thereby propelling or "feeding" the thread.

FIG. 3c is a view of another embodiment 380b of a micro-thread 330b,similarly suited to application as shown in FIG. 3a, according to theinvention. Like the micro-thread 330a, the micro-thread 330b can beformed of a relatively inert material 370a, but rather than "slugs"(360), tiny particles 360a of a "propellable" material (similar to thematerial of the slugs) are embedded within or coated on the inertmaterial 370a of the micro-thread 330b. Like the slugs 360, theparticles 360a behave in much the same manner as the debris and/orparticles described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1a 1b, 2a and 2b,to be propelled through the interior of the tubular conveyor 310,thereby propelling or "feeding" the thread 330b.

This thread-feeding apparatus (300) of the present invention can beuseful in apparatus for micro-stitching (e.g., for feeding amicro-thread in medical microsurgery apparatus for micro-suturing).

The foregoing discussion has been directed primarily to tubularconveyors and applications thereof. Attention is now directed to formingmicro-planar electrostatic conveyors, for example, on a semiconductordie. Curved and other shapes (other than the tubular and flat shapesextensively disclosed herein) are contemplated as being within the scopeof the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a planar silicon microconveyor 400 formed on asemiconductor die 410, according to the invention. A plurality ofevenly-spaced conductive elements 420 are disposed in a row along thesurface of the die 410. The conductive elements 420 are organized in "n"groups as an interleaved repeating pattern of a number of distinctconductive elements (e.g., where "n" is 3, as depicted, a repeatingsequence of 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, . . . such that every "n^(th) " conductorbelongs to the same group). In the Figure, the conductors 420 areorganized in three groups, each of which is connected to a respectivedriving signal conductors 422a, 422b and 422c. (The connections to theconductors 420 in the Figure are shown schematically.) One of ordinaryskill in the art will readily appreciate the actual conductive paths tothe conductors will normally be embedded within the die 410 or patternedon the surface of the die 410. By applying appropriately phased drivingwaveforms (similar to those described with respect to FIGS. 1a and 1b) aparticle or object 430 can be conveyed electrostatically across thesurface of the die 410.

A planar conveyor of the type described with respect to FIG. 4 can beuseful, for example, for movement of "worked parts", or debris,(micromachined workpieces) along a surface. Alternatively, such aconveyor may provide a "caterpillar drive" motive force for propellingthe die 410 along a surface.

FIG. 5a is a block diagram illustrating the use of a micro-conveyor 510,such as those described hereinabove, to cause resulting mechanicalaction, according to the invention. As discussed hereinabove, amicroconveyor (e.g., 510) can be used to propel particles, or suitablefluids or gases. For example, gas ions (charged molecules of gas) can bepropelled electrostatically by a microconveyor. Accordingly, since it ispossible to move gas molecules from one place to another, it istherefore possible to use a microconveyor to create regions of increasedor reduced gas pressure, by conveying gas molecules into or out of anenclosed space. It will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skillin the art that gas pressure can be used to cause mechanical action,such as, by deflecting a diaphragm, pushing a piston, operating aturbine, or straightening/curling a bourdon tube. By creatingmicroscopic diaphragms, bourdon tubes, turbines and/or pistons and usinga microconveyor to propel gas molecules to operate these pressuresensitive devices, microscopic mechanical actions can be performed. InFIG. 5a, this is illustrated in block diagram form whereby themicroconveyor 510 is used to propel gas molecules along a path 512 tooperate a pressure sensitive actuator 520.

FIG. 5b shows an example of such an arrangement 530, whereby amicromachined, flexible tube 560 (e.g., a bourdon tube) is controlled byoperation of a microconveyor 540 to cause a grasping action. Thepressure sensitive actuator 560 is formed as a hollow, curved arm whichrests against a fixed arm 550 (although multiple flexible arms are alsoenvisioned). The microconveyor 540 is operated via a waveform generator542 to propel gas (or fluid, or particulate) molecules into the interior560a of the curved, flexible arm 560. The curved arm behaves like abourdon tube, and tends to straighten with increased pressure, therebycausing the end of the curved arm to raise away from the fixed arm 550.Removal of the driving force of the microconveyor 540 causes theelevated gas pressure to dissipate, thereby causing the curved arm 560to return to its natural curved state. By reversing the direction of themicroconveyor (as discussed hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1a), gasmolecules are moved out of the interior 560a of the curved arm 560,lowering the pressure therein. The reduced pressure causes the curvedarm to curl, thereby applying a force against the fixed member 550. Oneof ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that two or morecurved arms similar to the arm 560 can be arranged opposing one anotherand operating in a manner analogous to a pair of pinching fingers.

It will readily be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art thatthe capability of the microconveyor to selectively increase and reducegas pressure can be used with any of the aforementioned pressuresensitive devices to perform mechanical operations. An advantage ofeffecting mechanical action with gas pressure (as opposed to a rotatingmotor) is that the microconveyor is entirely solid state (has no movingparts) and consequently creates little or no friction in its operation.This property can potentially extend the useful life of any apparatusbeyond that which would be possible with micro-motors, etc.

FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 600 for moving aparticle through an aperture, according to the invention. A planarinsulating substrate 620 is provided with a first conductive layer 610on one side, and is provided with a second conductive layer 612 on anopposite side. An aperture 630 extends through the insulating substrate620 and the two conductive layers 610 and 612. Evidently, anelectrostatically charged particle near the aperture 630 can beaccelerated (caused to move) through the aperture 630 by application ofappropriate accelerating potentials to the two conductive layers 610 and612. The apparatus 600 can be used in conjunction with a microconveyorto propel particles transported towards the aperture 630 through theaperture into, for example, a collecting vessel or reservoir; or forminga collecting vessel or reservoir through an aperture.

FIG. 6b is a view of a multi-aperture apparatus 640, similar to theapparatus 600 of FIG. 6a, for accelerating one or more particles througha selected aperture. A planar insulating substrate 620a is provided onboth (opposite) sides (surfaces) with conductive material (conductivelayers, similar to the layers 610 and 612 of FIG. 6a). A plurality ofapertures (six shown, 630a, 630b, 630c, 630d, 630e, and 630f) extendthrough the insulating substrate 620a and the conductive layers. Theconductive layer on at least one side, however, is segmented intodiscrete sections surrounding the various apertures. In the Figure, sixdiscrete areas of conducting material 610a, 610b, 610c, 610d, 610e, and610f surround apertures 630a, 630b, 630c, 630d, 630e, and 630f,respectively. By applying appropriate accelerating and/or repellingpotentials to the various discrete conducting areas (610a-f) anelectrostatically charged particle can be caused to be propelled througha particular one of the apertures. For example, an acceleratingpotential can be applied relative to the aperture 630a while repellingpotentials (or no potentials) are applied relative to all of the otherapertures (630b-f) to cause particles (including liquids or gas)approaching the multi-aperture apparatus 640 to be propelled onlythrough the aperture 630a (or to propel particles from a reservoirassociated only with aperture 630a to be propelled through aperture630a).

It will readily be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art thatthe inventive apparatus (e.g., 640) can be used to "sort" or "select"particles into separate "bins" or reservoirs. FIG. 6c illustrates thisapplication. One skilled in the art to which this invention pertainswill understand that such a sorting mechanism can be employed inconjunction with an appropriate sensing mechanism, to segregate amenagerie of particles into homogeneous groups (for example, by havingdistinct reservoirs associated with each of the distinct apertures).Alternatively, with various reservoirs associated with apertures630a-630f, selective mixing of particles (including liquid and gas) canbe accomplished (see, e.g., FIG. 7b, described hereinbelow).

FIG. 6c is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus 640 shown in FIG. 6b,but with a reservoir associated with each aperture for separating andcollecting particles accelerated through the various apertures,according to the invention. A first reservoir 650a ("Reservoir "A") isprovided to capture and collect all particles which pass (i.e., whichare caused to be transported, from left to right, for a collectionreservoir and from right to left as a source reservoir, as depicted)through the aperture 630a. A second reservoir 650b ("Reservoir "B") isprovided to capture and collect all particles which pass through theaperture 630b. (Other reservoirs corresponding to the other apertures630c-f are not shown, but can be similarly provided.)

Alternatively, the apparatus 640 can be operated in reverse such thateach of the reservoirs initially contain particles of a different type.By appropriate application of accelerating voltage (potential) particlescan be selectively expelled from one or more of the reservoirs throughthe apertures associated therewith. In this manner, particles ofdifferent materials can be brought together with one another in acontrolled manner, such as for assembling molecules or medications, on amicroscopic scale.

Other (e.g., additional) combinations of the techniques discussed abovemay become apparent to one having skill in the art to which thisinvention most nearly pertains, and such other combinations are deemedto be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For example, FIG. 7a, illustrates a multiple conveyor apparatus 700awherein two materials 730a and 730b are conveyed separately through twoseparate conveyors 710a and 710b to two separate reservoirs 740a("Reservoir A") and 740b ("Reservoir B"). The conveyors 710a and 710bare of any of the types described hereinabove and may, for example, befabricated on a common substrate. The conveyor 710a, for example,includes a spirally-wound electrostatic conveyor tube 712, a chargegenerator 714 for imparting an electrostatic charge to the material 730ato be conveyed, and a waveform generator 716 for creating a travellingelectrostatic wave within the tube 712 to transport the material 730athrough the tube 712 to the reservoir 740a. Conveyor 710b is suitablyessentially identical to the conveyor 710a, and further elements of thisconveyor are omitted, for illustrative clarity.

FIG. 7b illustrates a multiple conveyor mixing apparatus 700b, similarto the multiple conveyor apparatus 700a of FIG. 7a which can befabricated on a single substrate. The mixing apparatus of thisembodiment 700b includes two conveyors 710c and 710d for transportingmaterials 730c and 730d, respectively, to a common mixing site 750whereat the materials 730c and 730d are combined with one another. Thetwo conveyors 710c and 710d are suitably similar to the conveyor 710a ofFIG. 7a, but may be fabricated as any of the exemplary conveyors setforth hereinabove.

One having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention mostnearly pertains will understand that the multi-conveyor arrangements ofFIGS. 7a and 7b can readily be adapted to conveying three or morematerials (including different materials) to separate "bins" orreservoirs, as well as to a common mixing site.

What is claimed is:
 1. Microscopic particle selecting apparatus,comprising:a planar, electrically insulating substrate having a firstside, and a second, opposite side; a first conductive layer disposed onthe first side of the planar substrate; a second conductive layerdisposed on the second side of the planar substrate, the firstconductive layer being electrically isolated from the second conductivelayer by the planar substrate; at least one aperture extending throughthe planar substrate and the conductive layers.
 2. The microscopicparticle selecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:aplurality of apertures formed through the planar substrate and theconductive layers; wherein: at least one of the conductive layers issegmented into discrete areas surrounding each corresponding aperture.3. The microscopic particle selecting apparatus according to claim 2,further comprising:at least one reservoir associated with at least onerespective aperture to collect particles which pass through theassociated aperture.
 4. The microscopic particle selecting apparatusaccording to claim 2, further comprising:at least one reservoirassociated with at least one respective aperture to provide particleswhich pass through the associated aperture.
 5. The microscopic particleselecting apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:at leastone other reservoir associated with at least one other respectiveaperture to provide other particles which pass through the associatedother aperture.